URI names new Medical Director of Health Services

KINGSTON, R.I. -- March 8, 2004 -- The University of Rhode Island has appointed Dr. Fred Procopio as the new medical director of Health Services, it was announced by Chad Henderson, director of Health Services.
Procopio, who spent the past 16 years in pediatric medicine, began his duties on Feb. 9.

Born in New Haven, Conn., Procopio earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He then completed an internship at Yale New Haven Medical Center and a pediatric residency at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. He holds appointments to the staffs of Rhode Island Hospital and Women's and Infants Hospital, as well as a faculty appointment at the Brown Medical School.

He has worked in a variety of medical settings; most recently in Warwick at Bald Hill Pediatrics, which he also founded. Prior to that he was the chief of pediatrics at the Warwick Center of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England. In 2002, he was named as a "Top Doc" by his peers, as part of Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s annual survey.

"I am so impressed with the staff," he said of URI Health Services. "They are very focused on meeting the students’ needs." He was also impressed with the Potter Building because it was clean, well supplied, and offered comprehensive care.
"Dr. Procopio was hired because his strong background and focus on the patient impressed the search committee," Henderson said.

As Medical Director Procopio has three goals for Health Services. The first is to offer "confidence and comfort" to students and their parents.

"I don't want students to say 'I don't want to go to Health Services', and I want their parents to feel comfortable with the quality of care as well," he said.

His second goal is to create greater visibility for Health Services in the campus community.

His third is to maintain JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) standards, which is one of the highest accrediations a college medical facility can receive. URI is one of less than 30 college health services so accredited.
Procopio will split his time between working on his medical care goals and seeing patients. "It wouldn't be fun without seeing patients!" he said laughingly.

He is excited about working with the students because of their high energy level, and he is interested in learning more about young adult illness and concerns, especially those that affect the student-athlete. He is excited that he will be working with patients so close in age to his children.

Procopio has strong family ties to URI and the surrounding community. He lives in East Greenwich with Colleen, his wife of 23 years, and their two children: Andrew, 19, and Joanna 15. Both of his sisters have attended URI, along with his brother-in-law, and nephews. "I trust this place and I am excited to be here," he said.

Procopio has served in numerous civic capacities dealing with health and health policy, including the school physician for the East Greenwich School Department and as an active participant in Phase I of the SHAPE (Statewide Health Assessment Planning and Evaluation) Study.

The University of Rhode Island Health Services is located in the Potter Building on Butterfield Road.